Brenda: We'll be celebrating three birthdays when family is here and probably not on the exact date for any of them, somewhat typical with our lot.

Lynette: Welcome home. Sounds like you saw a lot; hope the weather was good.

Diane: Thanks so much for starting us off - I seem to be out doing stuff all the time these days and not getting online until quite late. Thanks for the Roy Dennis update on Blue and Green et al!

patriciat: Part of the reason I'm in the garden is that it's already warm and I swear some of the plants grow a foot the minute my back is turned.

OG: Glad you enjoyed the not-quite-jazz concert. I've postponed some social stuff over this weekend to get things done around the house - but I am going on a tour of local historic sites tomorrow afternoon and will be back in time to watch the eclipse.

OK, must tie up some loose ends and head to bed. Take care everyone.

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Diane : thanks for starting us off this week and for the latest lunar news.

Lynette : Glad you enjoyed your holiday and managed to get to Dyfi.

Everyone else thanks for the chat, doubt if I will have time to read back as there is so much going on with sightings and nest news at the moment.

Returned home after a good holiday in Wales. Weather was reasonable with most of the rain falling at night and 3 or 4 sunny days. The only problem was the cold, even on sunny days the temperature struggled to get into the low teens. On one or 2 mornings there was snow on the mountain tops especially around Snowdon. We visted Glaslyn a couple of times, once on the monday, a few hours after the 3rd chick hatched and again on the wednesday. Everything going really well there with all 3 chicks hatching within 4 days and looking good on the big screen, saw the male and the female and part of a feeding session. Other places of note we visited were Bodnant gardens and Penrhyn castle. Also went to RSPB Conwy where there were thousands of swifts feeding low over the lagoon, never seen so many. Here is the first pic. I have seen many jays in the past but this is the first at the cottage and the first I have managed to get a pic of:

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Phew – HOT! Both been very busy in the garden to leave things right for going away – getting there slowly! I also did ironing. Quick trip to G Centre (but with lunch) tomorrow for more compost – my last “outing” until another concert next Friday – so will be able to wash my clothes ready to pack!

Diane – thanks for starting our new week.

Annette – I hope you enjoy your historic sites tour this afternoon.

Alan – welcome back! Glad to see you enjoyed the holiday despite being so cold. That photo of the Jay is very good - and lovely to see a Red Poll. Pleased Hamish enjoyed the holiday too, and I hope Lady P was not in too much pain.

Sandra – I see Chubby in Nottingham is getting real feathers now!

Must stop – nearly the time Daughter suggested we might get to talk and arrange to see her next Sunday – been leaving messages for each other all day!!

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